Weekend in Review: Hawks win Game 6; gambling deal close?

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk of Highland Park, right, who has served in the U.S. Navy Reserves, hugs Paul Benson, 89, of Prospect Heights, who served in World War II, Monday during Arlington Heights' Fallen Heroes Memorial Day Ceremony.Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer

Photos: Suburbs remember veterans

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk played a double role in Arlington Heights' Memorial Day activities -- riding in the parade as a Navy Reserve veteran and helping honor World War II veteran Edward Arthur Field by bestowing a Medal of Honor on the late serviceman's son, Daniel Field of Lake Forest. On Monday, Arlington Heights was among many suburbs saluting fallen heroes, veterans who died in the past year and all who have worn a uniform in military service. See our photos from across the suburbs. For photos, click here.

More transit money for Chicago and suburbs?

For eons, downstate Illinois has received 55 percent of the transportation pie and Chicago and the suburbs have got 45 percent. Now regional planners want to eliminate the formula and base it on criteria like congestion relief and crash stats. Already there's pushback from downstate. Full story.

Arlington Heights twins healthy after waiting years for liver transplants

As Luke Swanson gently plays with toy cars and trucks, his brother Jake jumps on a couch, occasionally throwing their mother a mischievous grin. Jake's wild, blond curls bounce around, amplifying his energy, while Luke's serious eyes focus on lining the vehicles up just the way he wants them. The 4-year-olds from Arlington Heights are certainly different, but they are forever bonded by liver transplants they received almost a year apart. "It's like the weight of the world being lifted off you," says their mother, Robyn, of the surgery that saved their lives. Full story.

Lawmakers face big issues in session's last week

When lawmakers started meeting in January, the newly elected class faced huge, complicated questions about Illinois' disastrous finances, thousands of teachers' retirement futures', gun control, same-sex marriage and gambling in the Chicago area. They still do. Here's a look at where things stand to start the session's final week. Full story.

Casino taxes could change to push gambling compromise

The Illinois House shepherd of a massive gambling expansion package said he's negotiating with lawmakers over possibly changing casinos' tax rates in order to get a deal done. Full story.

Buffalo Grove boy advocates for disabled older brother

Only 10 years old, Alex Randell of Buffalo Grove is testifying Tuesday before national health leaders, asking for funding that could help his brother, Max, who is 15 and has a rare disorder called Canavan disease. "He's just so awesome," Alex says of his brother, who communicates with loved ones through blinking, eye rolls, smiles and his infectious laugh. Full story.

Dist. 211 board debates limits of superintendent search

Will District 211's superintendent candidates come only from within the district or outside of it as well? Board members debated Thursday which course is the most appropriate as they start to prepare for the retirement of Superintendent Nancy Robb. Full story.

Streamwood police: Hanover Park man's BAC was 0.324

A Hanover Park man's blood alcohol content was more than four times the legal threshold when he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed his vehicle early Sunday in Streamwood, police said. Rafael Camarena, 22, had to be extricated from the wreckage after his 2003 GMC went off the road and hit several trees on the 1200 block of Park Avenue. Police said the vehicle was on its passenger side and Camarena was trying to break out the windshield when they arrived at 1:45 a.m. Full story.

Trailer carrying 38,000 pounds of trail mix crashes in Elmhurst

A tractor-trailer carrying 38,000 pounds of trail mix rolled over Monday, closing the Route 83 ramp to eastbound I-290 in Elmhurst for about 3 1/2 hours, police said. The crash happened shortly before 2 p.m., according to Illinois State Police Sgt. Darren Love, who said the load of trail mix "stayed contained" in the trailer during the accident. Full story.

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